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Texas Instruments Introduces DS90C187 FPD-Link Serializer

Texas Instruments announced their DS90C187 FPD-Link serializer. The low-power dual pixel serializer offers the industry’s highest screen resolution while extending battery life in tablet computers, ebooks, laptops and portable display monitors. It reduces the size of the RGB interface between the host GPU and the Display. The TI DS90C187 LVDS serializer supports dual pixel data transmission between Host and Flat Panel Display up to QXGA 2048×1536@60Hz resolutions. The DS90C187 is available now in a 92-pin QFN package and features single 1.8V supply for minimal power dissipation. The device is priced at $3.95 in 1,000-unit quantities.

The DS90C187 supports three modes of operation: (1) single pixel mode in/out (SISO), (2) single pixel in / dual pixel out (SIDO), (3) dual pixel in / dual pixel out (DIDO). In single pixel mode in/out mode , the device can drive up to SXGA+ 1400×1050@60Hz. In SISO mode, the device converts one bank of 24-bit RGB data to one channel of 4D+C LVDS data stream. In single pixel in / dual pixel out mode, the device can drive up to WUXGA+ 1920×1440@60Hz. In SIDO configuration, the device provides single-to-dual pixel conversion and converts one bank of 24-bit RGB data into two channels of 4D +C LVDS streams at half the pixel clock rate. In dual pixel in / dual pixel out mode, the device can drive up to QXGA 2048×1536@60Hz or up to QSXGA 2560×2048@30Hz. In DIDO mode, the device converts two channels of 24-bit RGB data into two channels of 4D+C LVDS streams. For all the modes, the device supports 18bpp and 24bpp color.

FPD-Link is the original LVDS interface for LCD panels and is interoperable with TI’s FlatLink products. It uses three or more differential signals, plus a clock, to transmit video data to the panel. LVDS is the most widely deployed interface for mid-sized display panels and requires no software overhead, enabling faster time-to-market for production ramp. Until recently, display resolutions for tablets could get by with a single-lane LVDS interface. With increasing panel sizes and higher resolution displays, dual LVDS interfaces are proliferating.